Dining room and or coffee table

As I mentioned in another topic, my daughter has plans for me to build her a coffee table and or a dining room table. Both will be painted. I’m kinda wondering what would be the material of choice? Hard wood is out, and I’m not to fussy about pine. Whatcha think?Thanks.

I’d go with poplar it machines well and takes paint well. Pine is ok if you get clear pine, the knots are so resinous that they can bleed through paint. I think generally clear poplar is easier to come by especially if you need 8/4 stock for the legs.